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Course Title

Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies

Who is the course for?

Anyone who wishes to continue to develop their theoretical understanding of counselling, further develop their counselling skills and continue to enhance their understanding of self and others. This is also the course which provides access to those applicants who subsequently wish to train as Professional Counsellors.

Entry Requirements

  • You need to have Level 3 oral and written English communication skills.
  • Hold a Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills or have the equivalent professional or voluntary sector experience.
  • Be willing to discuss your thoughts and feelings with other students and tutors on evermore profound levels.
  • Be willing to give and receive feedback to your peers.
  • Have commitment to exploring your relationships with others and how your values, attitudes and beliefs impact on these relationships.
  • Be committed to your learning.
  • Internal Applicants: Must have tutor recommendation to progress.
  • External Applicants: Need to attend a group interview and assessment process with a Diploma in Counselling Skills tutor.

Course Description

As in all counselling courses, a large element of the work is based on experiential learning and observation and it involves commitment to personal development and self exploration; often the course continues to provide students with a life changing experience.

The course:

  • Enhances your theoretical understanding of counselling and continues to help you develop the skills and attitudes required to practice these approaches.
  • Encourages profound personal growth and understanding.
  • Enhances your ability to understand others and develops your ability to extend empathy.
  • Enhances your ability to work effectively transculturally and with diversity.
  • Further develops your Research and oral presentation skills.

You will also have regular meetings with one of the course tutors to discuss your learning and developmental needs.

The Units of the Course

There are 7 Units to the course, which are:

  • Working Safely
  • Relating as a Helper
  • Seeing the Client’s Perspective
  • Focusing on the Client’s Agenda
  • Using Self-awareness
  • Using & Understanding Skills
  • Reviewing and Reflecting

Assessment Methods

Similarly to the Introduction Course assessment is continuous and based on a portfolio of evidence which you build throughout the duration of the course.
You will also work with others in sub-groups to complete a basic Research Project into an area of diversity which interests you. With your group you will also make a short class presentation of your project.
There is also a short external assessment in which you observe a counselling session and answer a number of questions about what you have observed.

Awarding Body

The CPCAB: The Counselling and Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body

When does the course run?

There are two opportunities to join the course during the academic year and you will engage in 120 hours of study time during the course; you will also need to study at home for approximately 6 hours a week. You will also have 2 tutorials each term with your personal tutor which run outside of the course hours listed below.
The course runs for 36 weeks (1 Academic year). Courses for 2009 start on Tuesday 15th September.

  • Autumn Term: Tuesday morning 9.30am – 12.30pm + Tutorial Time
  • Autumn Term: Tuesday evening 6.00pm – 9.00pm + Tutorial Time

What does the course cost?

£550 (£490.00 + Annual Registration Fee of £60.00)
Payable by a deposit of £280 followed by 3 payments of £90 from 1st October - 1st January

The Registration Fee provides you with access to College facilities such as the Learning Centre Services.

There are no concessions on counselling courses, but you will have the opportunity to agree a payment plan to spread the cost of the course.

Progression Opportunities

On successful completion of the course and with tutor recommendation you will be able to apply to join the Higher Professional Diploma in Counselling in the subsequent academic year. This is Professional Counsellor Training.
All counselling qualifications enhance your employability in those professions which require employees to have basic counselling or pastoral care skills, such as: Care Work, Child Care, Nursing, Teaching, Mentoring, Youth and Guidance Work, Advocacy and Befriending.